September 2013 
CAD  |  Community Centers  |  Historical Markers  |  Libraries  |  Parks  |  Roads  |  Senior Program
In This Issue
Greetings!

 

Welcome to the September 2013 edition of Commissioner's E-Corner! There's so much to tell you in this issue of E-Corner

 

October marks the second anniversary of my service in office. Let me repeat how much I appreciate and enjoy the honor of serving you as Commissioner. Thank you for your support and help in keeping Precinct 4 the best of all places to live! 

 

Precinct 4's Senior Adult Program (SAP) is growing by leaps and bounds just like our population here in Harris County! Not only are we staffing our newest addition to the Community Centers in Precinct 4 at Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park, but we are expanding our Virtual Community Center programming at other facilities in the Precinct. 

 

We have so many great communities in Precinct 4 and I will be visiting some of you on October 1 for National Night Out activities. Also, more is included on our dog parks and a great relationship with Boy Scouts who have helped improve those facilities.

 

As always, there is plenty to keep us busy. Remember you can access past issues of Commissioner's E-Corner on the Precinct 4 websiteWhen you visit Precinct 4 online, you can also learn more about the road projects taking place, as well as the upcoming events at Precinct 4's community centers and parks, and Senior Adult Program activities through Fun4Seniors. 

 

Sincerely,

Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
Harris County Precinct 4
New Virtual Community Centers
Diana Weaver and Reecie PlocheckIn order to serve our seniors, we have expanded our Senior Adult Program staff. 
 
Help us welcome back Diane Aceves (not pictured), a former Mangum-Howell CC staffer, who will be supporting our programming and staff in activities and events. Reecie Plocheck (right) and Diana Weaver (left), are two of our May Community Center veterans who are working to expand our Virtual Community Center programs.
 
Help us spread the word that here in Precinct 4 we work hard for our seniors! For more information on our Senior Adult programming click here.
  
National Night Out with Commissioner
National Night Out  
Commissioner Cagle and Precinct 4 staff will be branching out the evening of October 1 for National Night Out (NNO) activities. 
 
We have so many great communities and neighborhoods in Precinct 4 we wish we could attend each and every function. 
 
Look for Commissioner Cagle...maybe we'll be in your neighborhood! 
 
For more information visit www.natw.org
Dog Park Improvements
  
 
We are grateful to local boy scout Troop 49 of the Phoenix District who recently installed waste disposals at the Bibi and Mini-Me Bush Dog Park in Pundt Park.
 
Dog Park patrons can bring their disposable plastic bags and recycle them to be re-used as dog litter bags.
 
For directions to the Bibi and Mini-Me Bush Dog Park click here.
 
Pundt Park is part of the Spring Creek Greenway, and has a nearly 10-mile trail that connects the park with Stahl Preserve and Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center.

Garden Faire at Mercer Arboretum 
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and The Mercer Society (TMS), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, present the 7th Annual Garden Faire Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
This free two-day event, held at the natural picnic area on the west side of Aldine Westfield Road, features regional plant societies, local artists specializing in garden art, a variey of children's activities, and more!
 
The Garden Faire is an outdoor fall festival for nature-lovers of all ages. Stroll along the wooded trails and shop for new plants, crafts and local foods while learning about community-based horticulture and environmental activities. Supported by the Kingwood Chapter of the National Charity League, the Kid's Korner Activity Area offers kids and parents a chance to work together on nature-related crfts, plus face painting and rides around the picnic loop with Stan the Train Man will be available. Food and refreshments will be on site, or visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.
 
Please call 281-443-8731 or vist the park for additional details. 

 

Archeological Sign Installed at Collins Park
Archeological Sign at Collins ParkThanks to the Harris County Flood Control District, visitors can now learn about the recent artifact findings of a Native American campsite dating back as much as 10,000 years ago!
 
Since 2006, archeologists have excavated and recovered more than 2,000 artifacts from the campsite belonging to an ethnic group known as Akokisa. Based on the artifacts, it appears various nomadic groups visited the site regularly every one to two years for its adequete hunting and fishing opportunities, and good weather. The nomadic groups lived off of a great range of different types of food such as: fruits, berries, wild plants, deer, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, turtles, and fish.
  
Even centuries ago, Precinct 4 was the place to be! Stop by Collins Park today and read more about this enlightning discovery.
Move Over or Slow Down
TxDOT logo    
 

As a reminder, a new law enacted this month now requires drivers to move over or slow down when nearing TxDOT workers and vehicles stopped with overhead flashing blue or amber lights.

 

Under the Move Over/Slow Down law, motorists are to move over from the lane closest to the TxDOT vehicle or slow down their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted limit.

 

Help us keep Precinct 4 a safe place!  

Upcoming September/October Activities
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center:
 

Pontoon Boat ToursSat., September 21. Tours throughout the day. Take a leisurely tour along Spring Creek and learn about the area's natural history and wildlife. Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wed., September 11.

  

Hunter Education Certification. Tues., September 24 - Thurs., September 26, 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This three-day course meets the mandated Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education requirements for Texas. Material's fee $15. Reservations required beginning Thurs., September 12. Ages 9 and up. 

 

TPWD Junior Angler Workshop. Sat., September 28, 9 a.m. - noon. This class teaches youth the basics of fishing, such as knot tying, different types of rods and reels, fish identification, and fishing laws. Bring your own bait and tackle and try to catch a fish after class! Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wed., September 18.

  

Brownie BugsSat., October 5, 9 a.m. - noon. Brownies scouts can learn about insects and earn their Bugs badge during a fun morning of activities. Reservations required beginning Wed., September 25.

 

Second Saturday Settlers: Corn-A-Copia. Sat., October 12, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Practice corn shelling and grinding, and learn about the many early settlers and American Indian uses of corn, corn husks, and corn cobs. Also witness some of the day-to-day activities of early Texans as staff and volunteers bring the homestead to life. All ages.

 

Stargazing. Sat., October 12, 7 p.m. Spend an evening learning about the planets, stars, and other celestial bodies with help from the North Houston Astronomy Club. Participants are encouraged to bring telescopes or binoculars. Reservations required beginning Wed., October 2. All ages.

 

Invasives Beware. Sun., September 15, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Join the JJP Eradicators in recording locations of and removing invasive plant and animal species in Jones Park. Ages 16 and up or accompanied by an adult.

  

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens: 

  

Children's Story Time in the Garden. Mon., September 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Children's Librarian Maggie Hope at Baldwin Boettcher, along with Mercer volunteer docents, share some of their favorite nature books with children and their parents in the Mercer gardens. A craft project is included. Check in at the Visitor's Center for the specific location.
 
Children's Lunch Bunch: Decorating for the Holidays. Wed., October 9, noon - 2 p.m. Children's Sherry Cruse share how to scare and thrill this Halloween and gives great ideas for holiday get-togethers.
 
3-day Tour to Dallas. Mon., October 7 - Wed., October 9. Visit the Dallas Arboretum, Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and exclusive private residential gardens. Tour includes travel, hotel accommodations at Hyatt Place, snacks and refreshments, and meals. Fees: Double-occupancy $450 (TMS members), $500 (non-members); single-occupancy $625 (TMS members), $675 (non members). Late registration after September 9: add $100.
Community Centers/Senior Adult Program:

Mangum-Howell Center: Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer Seminar. Tues., September 17, 10 a.m. Join Kenya Kidd, a representative from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, as she brings information and updates to help participants actively recognize and reduce the risks of skin cancer.
 
Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park: "Kick-off" Catered Luncheon. Fri., September 20, 11:30 a.m. 
Celebrate the first monthly luncheon at the newly-renovated Big Stone Lodge. Vocalist Chris Collins, a national touring entertainer and lead singer of a John Denver tribute band, will perform music from the 1920s through the 1970s.
 
Senior Adult Program: Jersey Village Luncheon. Tues., September 24, 11:30 a.m. Everyone 50 years of age and better is invited to Jersey Village for a luncheon and live, musical entertainment! This event will be held at the Jersey Village Baptist Church. For additional details please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Senior Adult Program: Waugh Bridge Bat Colony Pontoon Boat Tour. Tues., October 1. Board a pontoon boat on Houston's Historic Buffalo Bayou to witness the intriguing dusk-time flight of thousands of bats! For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: Epilepsy Seminar. Wed., October 2, 10 a.m. Joe Wappelhorst, assistant director at Epilepsy Foundation Texas, shares a wealth of information that may benefit you or your loved ones.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: "Spooktacular" Catered Luncheon. Tues., October 8, noon. Stop by for a delicious meal and listen to Randy Meadows, a singer/guitarist/songwriter, who has worked with numerous country artists such as Doug Supernaw and Willie Nelson.
 
Mangum-Howell Center: Christmas Reindeer and Gingerbread Candle Jars Craft. Thurs., October 10, 
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Create a delightful gingerbread man and reindeer candles using quart jars and a few simple supplies. These candles are sure to light up your holiday decor!
 
Senior Adult Program: 37th Annual Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill. Sun., October 13. Hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, the festival presents more than 250 exhibitors offering unique items including art, handmade crafts, home decor, gardening items, jewelry, clothing, delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Senior Adult Program at 281-893-3726.
 
 

Commissioner R. Jack Cagle

Harris County Precinct 4
1001 Preston, Suite 950

Houston, Texas 77002

By phone:  713-755-6444

By fax:   713-755-8801

Email: commissionercagle@hcp4.net 


Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.